FAQs about Educational Interpreting

If I take the ASL series at UNL, will I have the skills to be an interpreter?

Knowing ASL is only the first step in becoming an interpreter. We cannot emphasize enough that you will not have the skills to interpret after only four ASL courses. The good news is that when you complete our ASL series, you will be well-prepared to enter an interpreter training program in the U.S. or English-speaking Canada.  Visit the Registry of Interprters for the Deaf website.

What's the difference between a teacher of the deaf and an educational interpreter?

Teachers of the deaf are teachers, with all the responsibilities and pleasures that come with the job. Educational interpreters do not teach although they  are also members of the educational team that supports the deaf student.  In the most general terms, interpreters listen to what the hearing participants say and translate that into signing for the deaf student(s) and watch or read the deaf students' signing and translate that into spoken English for the hearing participants (teachers and other students).  Depending on the school setting and the job description, interpreters sometimes tutor or provide other support. Deaf students in public schools cannot get along without teachers of the deaf and educational interpreters, but they are different jobs.

What is required to be an Educational Interpreter in Nebraska?

Beginning September 2001, in order to be hired and retained, Educational Interpreters in Nebraska must present a score of 3.5 or better on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment.  School districts may hire interpreters who score 3.0, with the condition that they raise their score to 3.5 within two years.  School districts who are unable to locate and hire an interpreter who scores 3.0 may request a waiver to hire an interpreter with a 2.5 but must also file a plan of training that will help the interpreter raise the score to a 3.0 within two years and a 3.5 within two more years. Equivalent scores on other evaluations (e.g. RID, QAST, NAD) will also be accepted. For more detailed and up-to-date information on Nebraska regulations on educational interpreters, please contact Robert Hill at the Nebraska Department of Education.

Where can I get training so I can be an educational interpreter?

Visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf website for a directory of interpreter training programs in the U.S. and Canada.